Paper Pastorale

Get on Board!!!

2012-02-15T18:14:00.000-06:00

A Muse Studio is having a sign-up bonus! I am having so much fun with my a|s business! If you think you would enjoy getting together with really nice and very happy people and playing with paper and rubber, then a|s might be just right for you. Think about it, everyone is happy when stamping, right? All my guests go home with several wonderful projects they made themselves, and with smiles on their faces. We talk about being wives and mothers, and we talk about completely silly things like how much we love Bubblegum glitter.

At the end, they write down a few things they want, I collect the money, and in about a week, they get their new toys. Yes, it is that fun and easy. a|s even has preplanned workshops, so if you are too nervous to design projects yourself-no worries! It's done like dinner! (Which is actually not even started at my house yet tonight!)

To join my team, look here.

A Couple A Muse Studio Creations

2012-02-03T12:22:00.001-06:00

SNOW DAY! YAHOOO!!! Here's a quick post from me, then it's off to fold laundry! Isn't it interesting how an unexpected day off can make even mundane things like laundry seem like a gift? Here I am on a Friday morning folding laundry, and I'm enjoying it!

This card is an adaptation of one of the cards in our Ready To Roll Workshops. It's really cute in person, and my Hostess Club loved it. I thought maybe it was a bit bright, but I realize that there are people out there who enjoy color in pure hues and pigments instead of whitewashes, like me.

The heart stamp is from our amazing new set All My Heart, from the Holidays section of the new catalog. You can see it and other holiday sets here!

We also made these candy sticks at our January meeting, and I think they were one of the most popular projects I've ever taught. Those 1" x 8" cello bags sell like hotcakes, and I know what all the first graders in Holyoke are getting for Valentine's Day from their sweet teachers this year!

Please stop by our A Muse Studio Challenge Blog and play along with us This week! You have until Sunday night, and our fabulous hostess, Karen Crisp is giving away one of the new catalogs AND some samples of our new Venetian line of papers!!

February Studio Spotlight

2012-02-01T21:26:00.001-06:00

I love this month's gorgeous Spotlight so much, I just had to rush over here and share it with you!! It's a perfect opportunity to get some stamps on sale and take advantage of coordinated cardstock packs. I can help you with instructions for making any of the fun items pictured here if you need it. What do you think?

Cosmo Cricket does Valentine's Day

2012-01-17T18:54:00.000-06:00

This year I made most of my Valentines with Cosmo Cricket's Love Notes. It's my favorite CC of all time, and I have finally depleted my stash. I don't know if it's still available, but that's okay! I enjoyed it while it lasted, and I have about a thousand lonely pieces of paper in my stamp room waiting to come into their fruition.

I have a sheet of Crafty Secrets Valentine stickers, and boy do I love those things! Such a huge bang for such little money! I think I have every sticker sheet they ever made.

I got those little white doves at a little craft store in Ogalalla, Nebraska. They were an insanely good buy and have found their way onto many projects this month.

Baby card using A Muse Studio's little banner die. Isn't it the sweetest?

Every now and then I go on a die cutting rampage to build up my supplies. When I do, I ALWAYS cut a bunch of butterflies with my A|S Butterfly Trio, then cover them with silver glitter. Irresistible, they are! I used a Karen Foster Loopy Brad as the antennae on this one. Raise your hand if you have a package of KF Loopy Brads in your stamp room!

I've started working out again. I'm doing Leslie Sansone. Much to my chagrin, I can do about a quarter what I was doing the last time I did it. Why does fitness go away so quickly? During August, I rode 60 miles a week on my bike, now I'm doing one mile to a DVD. *SIGH* Well, I'm going to do a Fitness Boot Camp of my own design. This week I'll walk a mile a day, next week two miles and so on. I figure I'm starting out slow enough that I won't really need a day off. Walking isn't too hardcore anyway. I have four miles of Leslie, so in a month, I should be ready to branch out to some other DVDs.

Toodles, friends!

Love is in the air!

2012-01-16T18:50:00.000-06:00

This week's challenge at the A Muse Studio blog is called Love is in the Air! This is your opportunity to make a Valentine or love related card and possibly win some bling! Here is my Valentine:

I apologize for the dreadful picture above. It's wintertime in Colorado, and I just have to take what I can get in terms of light. I used the Vintage Labels and Quick and Cute Valentines stamp sets for this card.

This card is chock full of a|s goodies! I used three dies, including the hearts, Vintage Labels and Scalloped Border. LOVE THEM!! I hope we have lots of new dies in the new catalog because my cards are starting to get redundant!

I am super sad to see the polka dot paper retiring. I use it ALL THE TIME! I know there will be many beautiful replacements, so no tears. There's a sneak peek for you on this card! The card base is one of our NEW colors, GRAPEFRUIT! It's a softer pink than Bubblegum, and much brighter than Blush and Shell. We now have FIVE gorgeous pinks in shades to satisfy every stamper's pink cravings whether you like the intense shout of pink drenched Watermelon or the sweet whisper of Blush.

As a finishing touch for this card, I added a strip of washi tape to the inside for a special pop of color. The back of a|s cardstock is white, making special touches easy to add on the inside. Not to mention that you don't have to line cards anymore!

A Muse Studio Challenge Blog-Heat Embossing!

2012-01-09T18:43:00.000-06:00

I've been the hostess at the a|s challenge blog for two weeks running, and I'm sort of a one trick pony.

Last week my challenge was to do heat embossing of any kind.

I made the above Valentine with Black and White A Muse Studio embossing powders. The heart featured on that card is from Hearts A Plenty, which is on our retiring list. I think it's a must have set with nine hearts all in completely different sizes, shapes and styles. When this set is sold out, it will be gone forever, so if you are looking for a really versatile heart set, get it now!

This week's challenge is to use any kind of adhesive to grab your embossing powder. I used red line tape and a|s white powder on mine.

This card features the soda glass from Sweet Love stamped twice and colored with Copics. I will say that I really like a|s's white embossing powder a lot. It comes in a big jar and the coverage and handling is excellent. Listen, no one ever accused me of being handy with the Copics, but you CAN consider me an embossing powder expert! I love it and use it all the time. The only thing I do more than emboss is add Diamond glitter, which of course this card has, too!

Please come play with us this week, I'm giving away the If You Dare stamp set, which is a darling Halloween set. It's on our retired list, and I'm sorry to see it go. Find our challenge here.

Mostly Blue Christmas

2011-12-28T16:21:00.000-06:00

This year, most of my Christmas cards were made with Doodlebug paper from five or six years ago.

I like frosty blue, white and silver Christmas stuff. I added a few Melissa Frances rub-ons for good measure. If you want my opinion, MF rub-ons are by FAR the best I've ever used. I don't know why they are so much better, I just know that they are.

I made this card with an old My Chemistry With Paper set. I used to be on the MCWP DT, but they went wholesale only. Now I have no idea how they are doing. This economy has been hard on small stamp companies, hasn't it?

Yes, I used fiber. The funny thing about my supplies is that it doesn't really matter if they are the latest and greatest thing. My Etsy customers have no idea what the latest paper crafting fads are. They just go to my shop and buy stuff they like.

I enjoy using older supplies, and I get a real kick out of using a product up. It's so much fun to toss all that bulky packaging knowing that I put it to good use. I can probably do that for about five more years buying only adhesive, envelopes and kraft cardstock. How long could you go, do you think? Let's use things up this year. Enjoy what's bought and paid for. How many times have you bought a new release before you used last month's release? Me, too many times to mention. Does that make sense? Is that the kind of people we are? When we give a handmade gift, does the recipient think to themselves, "That Cosmo Cricket paper is from five years ago! How lame!" No, they think and they say, "Thank you! I love it! I love that you thought of me and made this yourself!"

A Muse Studio Challenge Blog-Inspiration!

2011-11-29T22:18:00.000-06:00

I made this card for this week's A Muse Studio Challenge Blog, I hope you can come play with us this week! You have until Sunday night, and all players will be entered to win an assortment of a|s cardstock!

Speaking of cardstock, I adore these three colors together! I've used Bermuda, Eucalyptus and Cranberry or Cherry. Did you notice the little candy cane stripes peaking out at the bottom? That's our festive candy cane cardstock, and I'm putting it on everything. It's just ther perfect Christmas touch!

Lots of stuff, but little to say...

2011-11-07T23:03:00.000-06:00

I made this for the A Muse Studio Challenge Blog on Halloween. Please come play with us here, we'd love to have you! This card is ALL a|s!

This sweet box AND the cupcake are from Creative Cuts and More. They have every die cut you could ever need!

That adorable image is from Crafty Secrets.

So is this one.

I don't have this stamp set anymore, I sold it last week in my Etsy shop. I am having pretty good luck selling off my SU! stuff to make room for a|s. I used to love all these tag sets. I haven't had the heart to part with the punches yet, but I plan to let them go eventually...maybe. I love my punches!

It's a MASH_UP!

2011-09-28T21:04:00.000-05:00

The card on the right was designed by someone at A Muse Studio. It's one of the cards in our Ready To Roll Workshops, which are pre-designed and come complete with cutting measurements and a supply list. They are a huge time saver. For the card on the left, I used the EXACT same supplies, and just changed the sentiments and the primary image. I even paper pieced the rocket! You know that this CAS style is not usually how I roll, but I think this is a pretty dang cute take on the original design. I hope you do, too.

ECE--Extreme Close-Up!

A Muse Studio Halloween goodness. I'm afraid I bought an imprudent number of Halloween sets, but I love Halloween stamps!! The cute black cat is stamped on hang tags from Office Depot. They are already cut in that classic tag shape, and the strings are in place and ready to go. Easy!!

These tags were made using one of my girl Nancy from Shady Tree Studio's sets. You can get it here. It's a Christmas must have, really!

I don't remember what company that stamp is from. I think the flowers are SU! chipboard from about five years ago. I painted them in Antique Linen Distress ink and then added some white touches when they were dry.

It's all about twine!

2011-09-26T19:27:00.000-05:00

I made this card with my current favorite Thanksgiving set, Bounty of the Season, from the Holiday catalog. I added just a touch of French Roast Baker's Twine, and two Latte Pearls. I really love working with fall colors. The background paper started life as a piece of Sage Polka Dot paper, and I added some embossed leaves and a bit of sponging for depth.

This week's challenge over at the A Muse Studio Challenge Blog is twine. We would love to have you come play with us! We offer a new challenge every Monday, and there is a weekly prize!! You don't have to use A Muse stuff on your project, but we love it when you do!

September Spotlight: An Elegant Halloween

2011-09-15T18:49:00.003-05:00

Each month, select stamp sets will share the A Muse Studio Spotlight with a gorgeous color palette to create
projects that showcase the versatility of paper crafting. And during their time in the Spotlight, you can save on
the stamp sets used to create these fabulous projects!

If you would like a copy of the flyer, just email me at CarlaMayfield5@gmail.com, and I'll send one right out. In the meantime, you can see all of September's gorgeous Spotlight projects right on the A Muse Studio website. Everything is available in my shop, just in case you can't live with out some of it!

Happy Humpday! It's all downhill from here!

2011-09-14T21:07:00.001-05:00

If you tried to come up with two stamp companies with the most different styles possible, you might think up Artistic Outpost and A Muse Studio. Well, here they are together, what strange bedfellows! I've used this AO bird stamp about a million times, and this time I added and a|s silver glittered swallow die cut. I love the swallows die set, yes I do! Usually I cut them out of chipboard, dunk them into glue, and give them a nice coat of silver glitter. Did you know that a|s introduced silver glitter in their Holiday Catalog? Well, they did, and it is FABULOUS, DAHLING!

Is this card creepy or cute? I can't decide. Those oversized blue eyes are a bit much. However, I did use up some MicroBeadz on them. Remember micro beads? How many do you have stuffed in the back of a drawer? Remember how they escape and get everywhere? Those little buggers hurt when you put your elbow down on one!

Just some crazy layering here. I love the stamp, though. It's American Crafts. Baby sister bought a gazillion sets from Big Lots for a dollar or two. Screamin' deal, that. I used three Spellbinders, one PTI and one Sizzix die on this card.

A Muse Studio Challenge Blog-Inspiration!

2011-08-29T21:30:00.000-05:00

This week on the A Muse Studio Challenge Blog, you will find that Tami has provided a gorgeous inspiration photo! I hope you can play with us! Tami is offering a prize-we're not above bribery!!

I used all A Muse Studio products on my top card, including:

Bermuda, Blush, Orange and Sage cardstock, Twinkle Stickers, Bermuda Satin Ribbon, Butterfly Trio and That's the Ticket dies, Buttercup button, sky stitched grosgrain, and the That's the Ticket Stamp Set! Find all of these in my A Muse Studio Webstore.

My sister sells Ippity, I was playing with one of the sets I bought from her here.

This one features a stamp set from Artistic Outpost, and some PTI.

New A Muse Studio Challenge Blog!!

2011-08-26T20:44:00.001-05:00

I ordered a couple of CD's from Dover, and they are full of gorgeous vintage images. This is just one of them. I have this same image in stamp form from Artistic Outpost, so I've used it a lot!

This darling little lion is a Shady Tree Studio image. You can find them on Etsy now. Nancy is filling her shop with her gorgeous images. Most are digital, but this one is a clear set.

No stamps at all here. Just some pretty little nothings I gathered from the chaos of my desk. You never know what you'll find there. I've started to add little touches to the insides of my cards again. Not five layers of stitched, embossed and glittered paper like I used to, but little punched flowers or borders.

I have started an A Muse Studio Challenge Blog, and I'd love to have you come play! I am giving away an Idea Book, and that's a pretty great thing, I promise! Every week we will have a different hostess and a small prize awarded to a random player. You can join the fun right here!

CPS229 (Don't forget to scroll down for BLOG CANDY!)

2011-07-31T17:17:00.002-05:00

I love Card Positioning Systems sketches, and thought I'd give this one a go today. Thanks for the great sketch, Tami! I used a Cornish Heritage Farms edition of a Shady Tree Studio stamp. I don't think these two stamps are available right now, but Nancy Baier, the artist and owner of STS usually has a free digital image with purchase, and this one may be offered some day! At any rate, you can see how talented she is by looking at these stamps. Right now STS is holding a Christmas in July blog hop, and there are prizes involved. You can participate in the hop and be eligible for prizes by starting here!

Quick! Enjoy summer while you can!! (Don't forget to scroll down for BLOG CANDY!)

2011-07-30T20:51:00.000-05:00

My seven year old son and I started off the morning with the county fair parade. I think there should be more parades, don't you? Horses, weird old cars, floats, and lots of candy hurling always make for an excellent time in my book!!

This homespun card fits well with the county fair theme, don't you think?

I got four new sets from Artistic Outpost, two of which were free because I was published twice recently with their stamps. AO has a generous compensation plan for published work, which you can read about here.

Plus, they just redid their website and it looks awesome! They also have an Etsy shop, if you prefer to shop that way.

The banner is an AO stamp. The butterfly is from A Muse Studio's Butterfly Trio, which I LOVE! You can shop in my amuse store by clicking the link in my sidebar or at the top of my blog.

Finally, please scroll down for the opportunity to win some sweet stamps from Shady Tree Studio! I have a set to give away to one of my lucky readers! If you go through the entire hop, your chances will increase dramatically!

Shady Tree Studio Christmas in July Blog Hop!

2011-07-28T23:59:00.004-05:00

Hello! You should have come from Joanne's blog if you are hopping with Shady Tree Studio.

I am so glad you are here, and hope that you love our two new stamp sets and enjoy looking at the projects the STS Design Team have cooked up for you! Also, we have prizes!! We are so proud of our STS stamps, that we want eight hoppers to have a set of their own-for free!! All you have to do is leave a comment on all six blogs to be entered, it's that simple! We will post winners on Tuesday, August 2, so please send your friends and family over so they can have a chance to win as well! As a bonus, if you follow the Shady Tree Studio blog, post twice and you'll be entered twice! Mention our hop on your blog, come back and post again, and you're entered THREE TIMES! How fun is that?!

Here is the hop order. If a link gets broken anywhere, you can always come back here to get back on track. This will be such a fun and easy hop with only six blogs to visit and terrific swag up for grabs!!

1. Nancy Baier at Shady Tree Studio
2. Roxie Glaza at Paper Scaper
3. Michelle Hetland at I Am Derby
4. Joanne Allison at Ambrosia and Iron
5. Carla Mayfield at Paper Pastorale (You are here!)
6. Lisa Silver at Silver Stamping

This card features the adorable lamb from Naturally Christmas. The animals in this set are irresistible!

On this card I used Naturally Christmas and Homespun Holiday.

Thank you so much for hopping with us! We appreciate your time, and hope that you love these two new sets as much as we do! Don't forget to check the STS blog and all the DT blogs to see if you are a winner. Every blog will be awarding a set of stamps for this hop! It's our way of saying thank you for your support! Now head on over to see what the fabulous Lisa Silver has in store for you at Silver Stamping!

Just some shabby stuff for my Etsy shop...

2011-07-25T17:23:00.000-05:00

More trinket pins. These sell reasonably well, and they are fun to make. I love shopping for the glass beads and deciding which order looks best on the pin. These are all new materials, but I frequently use vintage beads on my pins. It makes them a little more special.

I put these on cupcake spikes and left off the flower and ribbon for cupcakes instead of drinks. This was a special request for a custom order, but I will now carry them in my shop.

I have these in my shop in a more elaborate version on long sticks. They sell as swizzle sticks.

This is just a little vintage dictionary paper mache bird's nest. I'll be carrying these in different sizes.

Those are regular eggs. This nest is about the size of an average cereal bowl. The silver candy dish does not come with;)

There be big doins' comin' up with A Muse Studio. You don't want to miss AMUSAPALOOZA!! We are releasing the gorgeous holiday catalog and will have extra special hostess swag! Now is the time to hold a book party if you've thought about it, or place a qualifying order yourself and get the hostess bennies that way. Remember, any time you plan a $150 order, you need to let me place it for you so you can get hostess bennies!

Shady Tree Studio Sneak Peek!!

2011-07-18T15:54:00.001-05:00

Yes, the darling prim snowman, tree and sentiment are all from one of Shady Tree Studio's new releases to be revealed on the 29th! Be sure to check back here tomorrow for more STS goodness, and always stop by the STS blog when you have a minute! There you can see the owner\artist's (Nancy Baier) work, along with the design team projects.

I stamped them in Versafine Onyx then embossed with Ranger's Holographic powder. I gave them a quick swipe with my beloved Yasutomo shimmer paints and then began the layering. I think that snowflake is a Sizzix die, which I cut in half, coated with glue and glittered up. The paper is all Basic Grey or Stampin' Up!

I sell quite a few trinket pins in my Etsy shop. These two are my newest styles. I designed them for Sarah over at SarahsPaperBakery to use in an upcoming kit of the month. I'd love it if you took a look at her new Etsy shop. She is getting off to the right start by supporting other small business owners. I feel pretty strongly about supporting other women and their businesses, and it feels good when other women do so as well.

These are not hard to make. The heart pins are from Joanne's, and the glass pearls are from Walmart. I'm looking for better sources right now, but this is what I have access to, so this is what I work with.

These are made from some vintage black glass beads from my stash. See the little circle on top? They started out as those little flat, yellow flower pins you can find anywhere. A quick dip into the Versamark and a dunk into Ranger's sparkling black embossing powder and TA DA! No more sweet yellow flower, hello classy black trinket pin!

Summer Card Camp 2011 FUN

2011-07-07T15:15:00.001-05:00

This post and the following four are all for Summer Card Camp 2011. The linky over there will not allow me to link more than once from every post, so you see five posts instead of one. I made these little paper flowers and have been sticking them on everything.

Summer Card Camp 2011 JOY

2011-07-07T15:14:00.001-05:00

This extrememly simple card has a belly band. My Winter White ep has been getting a workout lately.

Laugh Out Loud Summer Card Camp 2011

2011-07-07T15:13:00.001-05:00

This card works for Ways to Use It WT300 A Doily Deluge at Splitcoast Stampers.

Summer Card Camp 2011

2011-07-07T15:12:00.001-05:00

This card was inspired by a Jennifer McGuire card. Hers was clear and embossed, there the similarities end. I made the felt flower. Die cut it and stitched it together with some vintage pearls from a thrift store.

Summer Card Camp

2011-07-07T15:11:00.001-05:00

This card was inspired by Dawn McVey. It has another one of those little flowers. I learned how to make them from the ultimate fount of papercrafting how to MelStampz. If you haven't been over to her place, get ready to be sucked into an amazing vortex of paper goodness.

Shady Tree Studio Christmas in July

2011-07-06T20:32:00.000-05:00

This sweet snowman stamp from Shady Tree Studio is called Embrace Christmas. You can see the whole set here. We are continuing to celebrate Christmas in July at STS and are looking forward to our blog hop and new Christmas stamp release on the 29th! I hope you will join us!

I stamped it in Versafine and embossed with Ranger Holographic and painted it in shimmer paints. I used it to decorate the cover of a Christmas card portfolio. These are super cool little portfolios which can be decorated for any occasion. I get mine from Creative Cuts and More.

This card is for Summer Card Camp. The colors are really giving me fits. I never work in these colors, and I'm finding that it is stretching me so much that I don't even know what looks good anymore! I am loving the camp overall, it's big fun, but I really haven't loved any of the cards I've made for it. It's hard to love a card made with colors I don't like.

AHHH....This is more my speed. Here are some colors I can get behind!

Buttery yellow, soft green, and a little pop of blue! Isn't that Crafty Secrets image the cutest? We had a big rain last night, and Troy and I spent many an hour sucking up water in the basement, fun times. Things are drying out down here slowly but surely, and of course, it's raining again. I LOVE the rain, but my 100 year old basement isn't quite watertight! Toodles, girlfriends! I hope you are staying cool and dry!

Shady Tree Studio & A Muse Studio

2011-07-05T18:42:00.001-05:00

This is an older card using a Shady Tree Studio stamp from Cornish Heritage Farms. I don't think this exact stamp is still available, but if you love the beautiful art style as much as I do, you can check out what's currently available right here. You can also see my very first post on the Shady Tree blog and leave me a little love there so that Nancy knows someone is looking! We don't want her to have second thoughts about inviting me to be on the DT, now do we?

I used A Muse Studio stamps on this card. I use those leaves all the time! They look so cool embossed with sparkling black powder. Out of respect for a|s's traditionally CAS style, I do try to tone my a|s cards down a bit, but I'm not making any promises that they will all be that way! This set is called Beautiful Botanicals 2.

I used Bridal Beauty here for sort of a grunge or perhaps Scottish wedding. I don't know what gets into me sometimes. I guess I just don't like for my stuff to look like everyone else's or like it's "supposed" to look. I'm contrary that way, and have no plans to change.

That dress sure is sweet, though, isn't it? I probably will make a more traditional wedding card now that I got this one out of my system!

Shady Tree Studio Christmas in July

2011-07-04T18:33:00.001-05:00

I made this card for Mojo Monday 198. I used to play MM all the time, but I'll bet it has been over a year since my last entry. I also used the color palette for this week's Summer Card Camp, so this works for two challenges. I rarely make a card that qualifies for two challenges because I'm too unorganized to follow so many rules at once. This one wasn't too hard because it was a color challenge from one source and a sketch from the other. Even I can handle that!!

I used SU! Cameo Coral, Pink Passion, Green Galore and Glorious Green here, plus MME Everyday Tango. I used SU!'s Noteworthy set on the little tag. It's the sweetest set. I put it in my Etsy shop to destash because I never use my SU! stamps anymore, and now that it's out where I can see it, I use it on everything!!

This card is the whole reason for the post today! Shady Tree Studio is celebrating Christmas in July! The DT will be featuring past STS Christmas sets for the next week or so, then we'll begin sneak peeks of two MUST HAVE new sets, then we'll have a blog hop with prizes on the 29th and the sets will be available for purchase!!

I used the sweetest set called Holly Jolly to make this card. I love the set, it just makes the prettiest cards!! The ornament is quick, easy and fun to color, and I love the font used on the sentiments in this set. I used SU! Handsome Hunter for my base, and then scraps of Melissa Frances and Bazzil, I think.

These tags are for my Etsy shop. I love this little tree from A Muse Studio. It's from Woodland Friends.

Third card for Sunday

2011-07-03T16:52:00.000-05:00

This is my third card for today, and my least favorite, mostly because I stamped the white flourish crooked, and I didn't want to start all over again, so I left it. Of course now I'm unhappy with it, so it would have been smarter to just start over.

The pretty die cut hole is from A Muse Studios Labels Set, which comes with four dies that coordinate with the stamp set Vintage Labels. These dies have positioning holes, which I covered with the banner and a gem.

Summer Card Camp 2011

2011-07-03T16:48:00.000-05:00

Another card inspired by Jennifer McGuire. This is my favorite from today's three.

The birds are from A Muse Studio's Swallows die set. Gorgeous, huh? The sentiment is GKD.

More Summer Card Camp

2011-07-03T16:45:00.000-05:00

This card was inspired by Jennifer McGuire's window card tutorial. I had never made a window card before, and it's just as easy as it looks. I used the cello bag from a package of Basic Grey rub-ons, so it's good upcycling, too. The damask card stock os from A Muse Studio. It has a beautiful shimmer on both sides, but is one-sided pattern wise. You really can't know how pretty this is unless you see it in real life. The sentiment is a|s That's the Ticket and the flower is GKD.

I have to post all my Summer Card Camp pics individually or I can't link them all over on the Card Camp gallery. There are prizes invloved, so a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do!

I had to post these seperately or they wouldn't link

2011-07-02T17:06:00.000-05:00

Separate Link

2011-07-02T17:05:00.003-05:00

sUMMER cARD cAMP WITH jENNIFER AND kRISTINA!

2011-07-02T16:54:00.001-05:00

On Mondays, we get a color scheme for the week. When I saw it, I was horrified, of course. Magenta, fuchsia, aqua and orange. YIKES! How'd they get in my head and choose the four colors most likely to make me uncomfortable? Well, three, really, because I love aqua.

This top card was my third try, and my favorite. It is inspired by Jennifer McGuire's card this week. The sentiment is from A Muse Studio's Hand Scripted set, which I LOVE! The little glittered butterfly was cut with a|s's Butterfly Trio die-so sweet! I also used Beautiful Botanicals and BB2 from a|s.

This was my second try, inspired by Kristina Werner's card this week. It's better than my first, and probably the best CAS card I've ever made. Restraint is not my game, baby! I'm all about excess!!

I used Cool Caribbean and My Mind's Eye Everyday Tango on all of these, they fit the color challenge perfectly. Aren't you jealous that I still have some Cool Caribbean?

This was my first attempt at working with these colors. This poor card was torn apart and put back together about a dozen times. Sheesh, was I having a hard time making something that wasn't truly hideous!

Jennifer and Kristina are definitely getting me out of my comfort zone, and that's a good thing. I've really been enjoying the Summer Camp and am so glad I signed up to take it.

Tags, Tags, Tags

2011-07-01T18:35:00.000-05:00

Tags sell really well in my Etsy shop. I've sold hundreds of them, so I continue to add new designs so people will always have something new to see when they stop by my shop.

This beautiful perfume label is from Dover. I just print them off and dip their edges in Art Institute's Angel Dust. HOOOWEEE, are they pretty!

Here's an Inkadinkado stamp that at least half of you have, I'm sure!

Inkadinkado is my favorite of the BIG GUYS.

These sweet tags were made with two A Muse Studio stamps. The cage is from Life is a Song, and the bird is from Avian Notes. I love 'em!

Well, Troy, who I haven't seen in two weeks just walked in so, I'm outa here! Toodles girlfriends! Happy Fourth to you and yours!!

Black, Gray, Pink and Red

2011-06-30T19:25:00.000-05:00

This is the paper that has been on my desk lately, so this is what I've been using. I'm over this color scheme now, but I still have lots of projects to share from the week or so that I used only these colors.

I guess I'm a super lazy paper crafter, because I just use whatever is nearest. Of course I'll get up for ribbon or other embellishments, but if I can make what is within arm's reach work, then that's what I use!

I think I did four lay outs with this color scheme, all about love and friendship. Yes, I added glitter.

Some leftover snippets became this little card.

I had a scare last night. Our youngest, who is seven, got in the way of a baseball bat and caught it right between the eyes. It split the skin all the way to the membrane covering the skull. It was a harrowing experience, and doubly bad because Troy is at K State taking a class. Why do these things happen when he walks out the door? Don't worry, Wilson is okay and upstairs stomping around like Rumpelstiltskin, which is what Troy and I call him. He's 54 pounds of noise, I tell ya.

I have grabbed him, held him and smothered him with kisses every time he has been within reach today. He was so brave. It makes me cry just to think of how well he has handled all this-including the tetanus shot he had to get today. Some days mothering is real work, you know what I mean?

Of Friendship and Paradise

2011-06-24T17:40:00.001-05:00

This card features A Muse Studio's Vintage Labels stamp set and the coordinating Labels Dies. I love these because they come with a clear positioning plate, which allows you to mark exactly where the metal die should be to cut your stamped image perfectly.

Of course I added some ribbon and some handmade paper flowers, and a couple from my Prima stash. Those things last forever, don't they? The sentiment is a Basic Grey rub-on.

Here is some Crafty Secret goodness! The ocean truly is paradise for me! White sandy beaches and blue seas-that's the life for me**SIGH**

You may remember me pondering whether I should apply to be on the CS design team. Well, at the last minute, I did apply, and was not one of the lucky (and super talented) ones chosen. The same day I found out I had not made it, several CS cards sold in my Etsy shop. I guess I'm finally old enough not to be much bothered by these things. While I'm certainly not happy I didn't make it, I am also not especially bothered by it either. I love Crafty Secrets. It has been one of my top three favorite companies for about six years now. I adore their products, and always have fun when I use them. They sell with great regularity from my Etsy shop. Really, is there anything to be upset about? Those of you who are much younger than I may not have reached this easy ability to let things go. But, as the Rolling Stones always say, "You can't always get what you want, but if you try, sometimes you get what you need!"

Toodles girlfriends! Remember, we are doing this for fun!!!

A Scrapbook Page and CPS 223

2011-06-23T11:00:00.000-05:00

This layout has a little journaling tag which slides out. It looks like there are a ton of different papers here, and while there are five or six, a lot of it is just the pattered paper. It's old HOTP paper, and is designed to look layered.

This is the first challenge I have done in over a year, I think. My job of the past two years required 10-14 hour days of me for six months of the school year, and pretty much my whole life has been my job and recovering from my job. I resigned as Drama Director and next year, I will just be a regular old overworked teacher, not an insanely overworked teacher.

I want to get back to my blog and my stamping friends and all the silly little things we do for pleasure. CPS was the first challenge outside of SCS challenges that I ever did. I loved it way back when, and I love it now. I used A Muse Studio's Birthday Builder on this card. It's such a fun and clever little set. It is part of a|s's Clearly Creative line, which makes it an absolute cinch to line up and stamp perfectly every time! That gray grosgrain ribbon is part of what's left from a ribbon swap I did with TexasJodyLynn about five years ago. I guess I don't use a lot of gray! The crown is a leftover from a large custom order on Etsy. They were tags for school treat bags for three brothers. Each boy had his own color combo using two of these three: black, gray and red.

Toodles, girlfriends! I'm off to continue to try to get my house in order. I need to CLEAN, do some remodeling finishing touches, and rearrange the living room. What are you doing this summer?

A Muse Studio June Blog Hop

2011-06-02T00:50:00.000-05:00

Please hop on over to my A Muse Studio blog for the hop! Thank you! Carla's A Muse Studio

Decorating Cherub

2011-05-24T20:56:00.000-05:00

You can get this cute little cherub's behind in a stamp set and in a paper pad from Crafty Secrets. I have both, this happens to be the paper. I just grabbed a few CS paper pad scraps, stitched them together, added a couple of embellishments and ended up with this. I sprayed the Prima flower with Black Cherry Glimmer Mist, which I find very satisfying. I could spray stuff with Glimmer Mist all day long!

Hot dang is it ever raining in Colorado! We've had rain all week. This rarely causes trouble here, but it can be a problem for those downstream. Stay safe, everybody! Hope everyone is well!

Crafty Secrets Baby Card

2011-05-23T21:33:00.001-05:00

This is a huge shock, I know, but here is another Crafty Secrets card. I used stickers, chipboard and paper from Crafty Secrets, plus a little SU! Chocolate Chip, some vintage sheet music, a little seam binding, and the A Muse Studio grass die.

When I bought the Grass die, I honestly had no idea I would use it so much. I mostly just bought it because I love dies and am an a|s consultant, not because I loved it or thought I would get a great deal of use out of it, but I have. Don't you think the fringe adds a nice touch to this card? I cut it from vintage dictionary paper and folded it in half. I know I'll do this again.

Back to Crafty Secrets. Did you know that they have issued a design team call? I am trying to decide if I should submit or not. On the one hand, CS has been my favorite company for years, and I use more CS than any other company. However, that might be the reason I don't apply. What if I don't get chosen and from now on every time I use CS stuff I think, "I wasn't good enough!" I'm not looking for design work right now, but it's Crafty Secrets! What should I do? What would you do?

Sweet Little Cherubs

2011-05-16T21:28:00.000-05:00

Isn't this image just the sweetest? It's Crafty Secrets, of course! I stamped it on A Muse Studio Vanilla cardstock in French Roast. Then I sponged the edges and layered it on vintage dictionary scalloped ovals. The hangers are 100% cotton crochet thread in natural. These are simple and satisfying to make. They add just the right touch to gifts, the necks of vases, or even on a tree.

I hope you are doing well, and I'm so glad you stopped by! Please don't forget to leave a comment so I can stop by your place; I'd love to see what you're up to!

A Muse Studio Blog Hop

2011-05-01T22:39:00.000-05:00

I have started a new blog for my A Muse Studio Creations. Would you please go to Carla's A Muse Studio?

Handsome Hunter

2011-04-21T18:56:00.000-05:00

So, I have this ten year old package of Handsome Hunter that I've been trying to use up. I used it as the card base on all of these cards, and I have come to the conclusion that I really don't like hunter green very much.

I automatically think of Christmas cards when I see this color. I love making Christmas cards, but I don't like this traditional color scheme as much as I like the colors we use more often these days.

This one doesn't necessarily have to be a Christmas card, it would work for any happy occasion. I also think this would work for a man. In fact, I should give it to my DH, who is upstairs trying to make the horrible leftovers from last night's disaster of a dinner into something edible. I am a terrible cook. I seem to be getting worse at it, too. I think I am so busy now that I have forgotten how to cook. Anyway, I am so happy to have a husband who likes to cook and is good at it. If it were up to me, we'd live on ice cream and Club crackers.

This one is also not a Christmas card. I got to use some scraps on the little corner piece. It's always satisfying to use up scraps.

This is my favorite of the bunch. I used a PTI stamp and die, both new to me. Then I used a SUPER old SU! set, Fantastic Foliage, plus an old technique, shaving cream! I stayed old school and added some eyelets. When was the last time you used eyelets?

Etsy's Burlap & Blue

2011-04-20T20:55:00.000-05:00

Burlap and Blue is one of the other Etsy shops Beatrice Banks is featuring in her $125 giveaway.

You could win a $20 gift certificate and use it towards the purchase of one of these lovely items.

You can see this entire shop right here, and you can enter to win the $125 giveaway here. So much possibility for so little effort, what do you have to lose?

My first A Muse Studio Card!

2011-04-19T20:21:00.001-05:00

When I made this card, it was the first time I had ever used an A Muse product. I've been aware of A Muse for years, but they were a CAS (Clean And Simple) company and I'm, well, not a CAS stamper. When I told my sis I was thinking of signing up with A Muse Studio, and told her about the SCREAMIN' sign-up deal, she said I should absolutely do it just for the products alone. But every now and then throughout our conversation she would say something like, "A Muse, really?" She knew a|s was not my style.

HOWEVER, have you seen the new catalog? What I see there is finely done art with universal appeal. A Muse Studio is not just for the one-layer bunch. If you are a stamper with little restraint, like me, don't be too hasty to judge a|s as not suitable. You can click on the logo on my sidebar to see the catalog. You can shop there or just browse, but don't pigeon hole a|s, as I did. Because if you do, you'll be wrong, just like I was.

This box was a custom request from a bride. I made them for her bridesmaids, and put their names on the leaf, instead of the word "joy." The original box was Aged Mahogany, this one is Broken China, and I like it much better. I have gotten many wonderful ideas from customers, two heads are truly better than one.

These are the boxes I used for that order. I had to buy 100 of them, so I've put them in my Etsy shop. I have tried to make my price as fair as possible. I really want the big box of little boxes out of my stamp room!

This is a super easy altered box with a belly band and a little vellum envelope with a tag.

I love glassine bags. I am now the proud owner of 2000 of them. So yes, they are in my shop. I have to have a shop because I have no restraint and wind up with thousands of tiny little bags!

I Copied This From Beatrice Banks!

2011-04-18T21:01:00.000-05:00

I just cut and pasted this entire post from Beatrice Banks because I wanted you to see just how pretty her blog is! I was lucky enough to be chosen to participate in her big giveaway, and it has been such a pleasure working with her and the other featured merchants. Please do yourself a favor and stop by and see her and the other participants. You'll see some gorgeous stuff and hopefully make some new friends along the way! BIG HUGS! Carla

$125 GIVEAWAY

Via

WELCOME!

I'm celebrating 600+ following friends! Sometimes blogging can be a love/hate relationship. Can't live with it and cant' live without it. Either time or inspiration lacks momentarily and we all think of quitting, or at least a lot of us do. But we keep blogging because it's fun.
I am so very grateful for all the wonderful friends I've met. Your words of encouragement, creativity and ingenious posts are such a great source of inspiration.

So with gratitude...

It's a $125 shopping spree provided by me and 5 other awesome and kind sponsors!

1. $25 Ebay gift certificate from Beatrice Banks
2. $20 gift certificate from Burlap and Blue
3. $20 gift certificate from Cards by Carla
4. $20 gift certificate from Raggy Girl Vintage
5. $20 gift certificate from Cotton Breeze
6. $20 gift certificate from Bella Rosa Antiques

These shops have fabulous stuff! Check them out by clicking on the above highlighted names.

Via

It has become increasingly difficult to keep up with everyone. At one point, I kept all of my followers on the sidebar and would visit daily. Now I randomly choose a few to visit each day along with those who visit me. I don't like it but, it's a time factor. I've learned, "The lack of commenting is not the lack of interest." I'd like to hear your ideas on this or another great blogging tip.

Via

How To Enter

1. Leave a comment letting me know you are a follower of Beatrice Banks .
There are 7 other ways to increase your chances of winning!
Choose as many or as few as you'd like but leave a separate comment for each action.
( Feel free to come back and add as you please.)

2. In one sentence, give the best blogging tip you've received or learned.
3. Copy and paste giveaway button on your sidebar and/or post about giveaway on your blog.

Be a follower of:
4. Burlap and Blue
5. Paper Pastorale
6. Raggy Girl Vintage
7. Til Death Do Us Part
8. Bella Rosa Antiques

April 30th is the last day to enter.
Winner will be announced May 4th.
Winner from outside of the U.S. will be responsible for extra shipping.
Shipping costs are at the discretion of sponsors and may or may not be included in the gift certificate.

Via

Posting to Pink Saturday

Happy Spring!

Harmony

2011-04-15T20:28:00.001-05:00

The older I get, the more I like HARMONY, and I don't mean the singing kind, although I like that, too. I just feel a little less like always making my viewpoint known, whatever the cost, and a little more like listening to the viewpoints of others. In most cases, once you cast off egos and whatnot, you can reach a sort of harmony. It's nice.

This picture is overexposed. Expert photographer I'm not, but the Artistic Outpost image is beautiful. Complex in detail, simple in mood, I've loved this stamp from the first time I saw it. See a better view here.

Authentic German glass glitter. I bought a ginormous bag and am selling reasonable portions in my Etsy shop. This stuff is so pretty, and because it's actual silver, it tarnishes in a charming, graceful way. Delightful stuff I tell ya!

I make fairly elaborate bookmarks, but these aren't them. Here, I've just let the pretty papers do all the talking.

More of that pretty paper, this time in little gift cards. These come with their own tiny envelopes. You sort of want to squeal when you see them. I don't squeal of course, because I'm way too sophisticated for that. Plus, I teach junior high, so I've usually endured my quota of squealing by the time I get home.

Christmas in April? Yes, sometimes!

2011-04-11T19:15:00.000-05:00

Sweet as sugar, or so it says. Layers of hearts on top of a PTI stamped die cut. That's K & Co. paper, SU!'s Blush Blossom, a true love of mine, works as the base here. Dashes of yellow make me happy lately, so I add them.

I have this HOTP paper I am trying to use up. I'm bound and determined. I paired it with SU!'s Handsome Hunter. I don't enjoy these colors much, but they do say "Christmas" to me, so that's how I wound up with Christmas in April.

These tags are in altered coin envelopes. I enjoyed this Christmas project much more, and I like the finished results better, too. See that sweet little ol' cherub with the wreath? I bought that from the cutest little stamp shop on Etsy called picture show. Why not stop by and give 'em some love, you know you want to!

No stamping at all here. Just pretty paper. That's enough for me sometimes.

Loving Spring Color!

2011-04-06T21:28:00.001-05:00

Pink and green. Green and pink. I love these colors! Darling Crafty Secrets image and some K&Co paper. I bought that paper while shopping with my sister.

More CS and K&Co here. The ribbon is American Crafts and I've had it for years. It's gorgeous and shiny, but the colors were a bit much for me. I don't even know why I bought it, but I blame my wretched sister. We buy way too much when we're together!

You can't see it well in this pic, but the chipboard hearts are sprayed with glimmer mist. They are lookin' good.

How many scraps can I fit on one card, anyway?

My cherished Melissa Phillips Papertrey Ink butterfly. To find true happiness in life, you must have this die! The deer and sentiment are rub-ons that came with a stamp set I bought when I was with- you guessed it-my sister. I LOVE the yellow here. I didn't even know I liked yellow at all until I started CRAVING it about a month ago. You think you know someone...

Stay tuned for some upcoming news, I'm sure you will find it amusing.

Here's what I've been working on lately...

2011-04-05T18:00:00.000-05:00

This is an upcycled jar, simply decorated. I spray painted the lid and stamped a label and some tags.

I've been stitching little felt and fabric flowers lately. It's fun choosing the colors and the buttons. Sometimes I add a few beads to the center. None of this is advanced crafting, let me know if you have any questions.

I have some exciting news to reveal, so please check back soon. First I have to get my act together, though, and Lord knows that's not an easy thing to do!

This is an odd journal I made. It features an image from a vintage American Literature book. I'm not a normal person, and sometimes I do inexplicable stuff. Here's the evidence.

Here I used one of my favorite Gina K. sets, Bold Flowers. It's odd that I like it so much, because it doesn't have a shred of vintage about it, but like it I do. I also have the coordinating Marvy punches. It's very satisfying to stamp and punch and have everything be so perfect. I'm simply horrible at cutting, so this stamp/punch combo helps me look good. The friend circle has glaze on it, and yes, I shaving creamed the background. How old school is that? Very, actually, since bookmakers have been marbling for centuries.

I will try to be back tomorrow. My craft motivation far outstrips my blog motivation, so I have pictures for at least a year.

SCS Candy Bar Holder and Shabby Little Card

2011-03-10T21:58:00.000-06:00

The bird card has lots of my favorite things on it. Of course, a Crafty Secrets bird stamp is there, but I also added a PTI Mat STack 1 die and the flourish is from the matching stamp set. I love the shape of this die, and I like using the flourishes as fillers when I have room. That's more Crate paper and ribbon, some vintage dictionary paper, and machine stitching, and as a final touch, a vintage button. Like many gals, I have a bit of a button obsession going on. And I like REAL vintage button best.

The candy bar holder is from SCS. I made a bunch of them for my oldest son and his room mates for Valentine's Day. They were not like this, but I liked them so much, I decided to make more. That's a Unity stamp, and it's my favorite ice cream image ever. The cool thing about this treat holder is that you just pull the ribbon, and out comes the Hershey bar. It does take a lot of ribbon, but hey, we have a lot of ribbon, now don't we?

A Couple of Non Stamping Projects

2011-03-07T19:06:00.000-06:00

Please forgive the odd order here. When I tried to upload these, they only would upload one at a time. I also don't have room to add text underneath each pic. Weird. I guess I've been away from my blog for so long, I don't even know how to work it!

About the card: Nothing unusual here. Crate paper & ribbon, Primas, PTI Mat Stack One stamp and die. I am finding it a little difficult to stamp these dies perfectly every time. I guess I need a little more practice. I also need new blocks. Mine are stained and grody. Perhaps if I could see through them better, I'd do a better job. I do think the Spellbinders compatible stamps are easier to use. I haven't tried any of Verve's, with the little alignment hole, but they look easier to me. I have a cart full of goodies over there, I may actually pay for it one of these days!

About the box: I got this box at Gina K. It is the perfect size for A2 cards. I just shabbied it up a little with a crepe paper rosette and some vintage book paper.

I hope all is well with you. It's COLD and snowy here. Again.

Waltzingmouse Saturday Sketch Challenge #37

2011-03-05T17:31:00.001-06:00

Have you seen the Donna Salazar Spellbinders compatible stamps? This journaling block was my favorite, so I thought I'd give it a try.

I got mine right here. This particular one is sold out right now, but there are some new ones up I hadn't even seen. The odd thing about this stamp is that I want to emboss it, but I haven't, because how could you write on it if it was embossed?

I used two Waltzingmouse sets on this card, Fancy Phrases and Vintage Labels 1. I like the way the Labels set makes everything old feel new again. That's a good value.

Of course that's a Crafty Secrets bird. It has been so nice hearing from my old blog buddies! Thank you so much for stopping by!

Altered Box, and Crafty Secrets Bird Card

2011-03-01T23:29:00.000-06:00

This box was a gold Museum of Modern Art, or MOMA box. Before I bought the jewelry this box housed, I stood not five inches from paintings by Picasso, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cezanne and Seurat. It was an incredible pleasure and an experience I am so grateful to have had. I love NYC. LOVE NYC! I would go back tomorrow. Tonight, even. Annually would be nice. Bi-annually, even better. Quarterly is more like it. Heck, just get me an apartment!

The bottom flower is a PTI die, one I have not quite mastered yet. I think I need to try thicker paper than my favorite vintage dictionary paper. Plus, I think it would help if I weren't such a spazz. The "wish" stamp is SU! It's such a nice little stamp, I use Small Script quite a lot. There's another one of those Glimmer Misted (Black Cherry) Prima Hydrangea flowers as well!

This card is Crafty Secrets Bird Notes and Crate Paper. Crate ribbon, too. YUMMO!

Shabby Stickers and PTI

2011-02-28T19:15:00.002-06:00

My first PTI set, Love Lives Here. Can you believe I've gone without PTI all this time? Anyhow, I love this set, and the exquisite little coordinating dies!
This is a tag card. I used very old HOTP paper and some Crate Paper Crush-also ancient, but still gorgeous as the day I bought it!
This is one of my favorite things to do with scraps. I die cut them, then stamp, sponge and glitterize them. They are especially appealing when they are all matchy-matchy like this set. That gorgeous bird is from Artistic Outpost's Birds of a Feather, you can count on them for such beautiful images. Straight stamping, no coloring. Fast, vintage and shabby/grungy-that's what you'll find at AO.
I have been away from my blog for so long, I hardly know how to act! I have enjoyed visiting other blogs recently. Hopefully, if I can apply some moderation, I won't get so burned out. We'll see. In the mean time, have fun stamping just for stamping's sake! I've been having fun stamping without any special reason to do so except that I really like to stamp!

New Waltzingmouse Stamps

2011-02-27T15:40:00.002-06:00

This gorgeous bird stamp is from Shady Tree Studio. I love it because it is beautiful and easy to color.
I recently discovered Waltzingmouse Stamps, and placed an order right away. One of the sets I got is the extremely versatile Fancy Phrases. I've already used it on about a dozen cards!
On this card I used Very Vintage Labels One, as well as Fancy Phrases. It is chock full of stamps designed to fit Labels One Nesties. I couldn't be happier with it!
This card is actually for the Waltzingmouse weekly sketch, Challenge # 36. I have a hard time with repeated elements, I really am more of a random girl. I did my best though!

The papers and supplies on both these cards are OLD, OLD, OLD! I have been trying to use up a little of what I have before I buy new stuff. It does make me feel like DESERVE new stuff because I'm using old stuff up. I'm an expert at rationalization.

Crafty Secrets Goodness

2011-02-26T20:49:00.002-06:00

Crafty Secrets stamps, Bird Notes Martha Stewart Brownstone glitter. It's my favorite brown by far.
Chocolate Chip cardstock, vintage dictionary paper, and some Crate Paper Crush all together in one happy, shabby little card.

More Crafty Secrets, in the form of Adventures and Travel Heartwarming Vintage Cuts. I love these things and use them like mad. I have every one of them, and some I have bought twice! They are on sale for $1.57 at Creative Play Stamps-that's a lot of paper crafting fun for a very low price! I added a vintage button with vintage brown button twine, some brown satin ribbon, and a Cinnamon Glimmer Mist sprayed Prima. I love these white Primas, I just spray them with Glimmer Mist to match my project. They come in a huge box, which I've been using forever.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-08T20:38:00.003-06:00

In an unprecedented turn of events, I felt like making a blog post. I've been off blogger for most of a year now, and here I am taking another stab at it. We'll see how long I last. Perhaps if I show a little moderation this time, instead of posting every day for two years straight, I won't get burned out!

Also, I am not on any design teams, so everything I post here is something I made purely for fun! When I use new stamps, you'll know that I actually paid my hard earned money for them-no design team discounts. That does hurt, I have to admit. I'll still post links to sources, but it will just be because I like that source, not because I am designing for them!

Today I thought I'd share some little Valentine labels I made. I used Papertrey Ink stamps and die, vintage dictionary paper, buttons, twine and silver glitter. I used my 10yo SU! Real Red pad for these. SU! pads are not my favorite (at least I stil have 48 of the clam shell pads! I hate the new ones!), but RR is a classic red that's hard to beat. If I needed these to be more durable, I would add a final scalloped layer, as the dictionary paper is not very sturdy. For cards and scrapbook pages or decor that won't be messed with much, these work just fine.

I guess that wasn't so hard, now was it?

Christmas in July on Etsy!

2010-07-21T19:11:00.002-05:00

I'd really like to encourage everyone to stop by Etsy and maybe do some early Christmas shopping. More than 700 shops are running sales up through the 25th. Why not support handmade and give one of a kind gifts this year?
I was just gettin' jiggy with some Sassafrass Lass on this one. Do you see the old SU! stamp? I have dragged that little set out and have been using it lately. People outside the stamping world have no idea this stamp is "old." I had to add Orange Peel Stickles accents-it's one of my favorite colors, it's super sparkly and very orange. Stickles is on sale at Creative Play Stamps for $1.59. That's about as good as it gets.
This one is kind of old school, but it sold on Etsy, so I was pleased.
The kinds of things I sell on Etsy and the kinds of things we stampers go crazy for aren't always the same.
These were a custom order for a baby shower. They went on a banner or something. I can't remember exactly, but my customer had a really cute idea, and she bought stuff from two or three Etsy shops for the shower. The glitter I used is Art Accent's Angel Dust. It's just like Dazzling Diamonds, just so ya know! CPS has a large selection of glitter from many companies. I drool over it regularly.

I hope you are having a terrific summer. We're having fish tacos for dinner, I hope they're good, because I'm hungry!

Creative Cuts and More Christmas in July Blog Hop

2010-07-12T05:31:00.002-05:00

This month, by playing in with the Die Cut Divas, you can win Creative Cuts and More's fabulous Christmas Card Kit!! This kit retails for $29.99 and has a $40.00 value!
This is the Matchbox. It is larger than a small matchbox, and so easy to put together! The bottom doesn't even require any adhesive!

Use this coupon code at Creative Cuts & More, it's good through July 18th!
This is the 3D Sleigh. I make a new one every year. They are fun to work with, and can be decorated to match any decor.

Here is the order of the hop. If you didn't start at Die Cut Diva, you should hop on over there so that you don't miss anyone!

Die Cut Diva - http://die-cut- diva.blogspot. com/

Steph Zerbe http://stephzerbedesign.blogspot.com/

Becky Voth http://scrapateenyg irls.blogspot. com

Jan Tatomir http://www.jantatom ir.blogspot. com/

Noelle Reese - http://noellescraps alot.blogspot. com/

Kayla Dupont - http://dream- bielieve- imagine-mustangk ayla.blogspot. com/

Carla http://paperpastora le.blogspot. com

Chris Dickinson http://www.chrissyd 723.blogspot. com

Lisa Somerville www.lisasomerville. com

Holly Brown - http://glitterstamp sandink.blogspot .com/

(A) Leave a comment on this post. (This is limited to one per person unless you meet the criteria of B, C, and/or D below.)

(B) Leave one extra comment if you've posted a link to this blog candy on your own blog. Make sure to include a link to your specific post in your comment.

(D) Leave one extra comment if you click over to our new page on Facebook and become a fan.

(E) Leave one extra comment by commenting on ALL of our talented Designers in our Blog Hop!

For a chance to win a wonderful prize from Creative Cuts and More, complete the above and head back to www.diecutdiva. com.

The next hop is to the fabulous Chris-I know you will love what she has to show you!!

Happy Fourth of July!

2010-07-04T17:57:00.004-05:00

One of my very best customers on Etsy asked for some high heel cards, so I made them! She has been a tremendous supporter of my work, and if it's at all possible, I'll do what she asks!
I borrowed a few stamps from my little sister, and bought a few of my own.
Now I can't quit making fashionista cards! I used Brushed Silver Distress Stickles on this one. I get mine at Creative Play Stamps. I love the store, and I love the prices!
I think I'm going to get a pair just like this to teach in next year. They look comfy, don't you think?
What do you think my principal would say if I showed up in these? My students would think I was tha shiz, that's for sure!
I am going to try to become a blogger again. I don't know why I can't stick with it anymore, but I'm going to try and do better!

Sweet little row of owls!

2010-06-10T11:13:00.003-05:00

I'm sitting here in a hotel room in Craig, CO. I came with Troy and some of his students for the FFA State Convention. We've had a lot of fun. I'm taking Wilson to the pool when it opens at one, but what to do until then? This is day three, and I've already done all the shopping I should probably do! I did bring Troy's parents' 50th wedding anniversary invites, and I will most likely finish those today.

How do you like these sweet little owls? Cute, huh? I think Noelle gave me this stamp, I'm not sure though, because I am feeble, and lucky I can remember my own name.

Living Room BEFORE Pictures

2010-06-01T19:21:00.002-05:00

It's a small house 750 up and 750 down. I think it could fit into my classroom, I'll have to measure sometime. This view is right inside the front door. Two bedrooms on the right, bathroom ahead.
Master bedroom, and I use that term loosely. That's where Troy and I sleep. It's pretty easy to get around the bed if you turn sideways.
To the left of the front door. The paneling is currently undergoing a transformation. The LOVELY black curtains are history.
Front door. Do you see the curtain? It is made of some kind of unidentifiable velvet-like substance. In peach. No, I'm not kidding. It has swoops and swags and stuff. So, being the incredibly thrifty girl that I am, I said to myself, "Self", I says, "I could run this through the cuttlebug and make embellishments with this hideous travesty of home decorating, and mebe make sompin' purty." So, I took it downstairs and washed it. When I opened the washer, everything was covered in VERY SHINY FIBER. So I said to myself, "Self", I says, "This will all come off in the dryer." NOT EVEN A LITTLE BIT CAME OFF. I laughed my ass off as I put Troy, Ross and Skyler's clothes away. Now this is a gift that keeps on giving, because when they wear these items, I will be able to laugh at their expense once again.
So that's all I have on the home remodeling front today.

Happy Memorial Day!

2010-05-31T11:22:00.002-05:00

Some Gina K. patterned paper, and the polka dot stamp is from the Bold Flowers set.
More stuff from the Floral Frenzy Stamp TV Kit. I have used the heck out of that kit, and I still have a few scraps of paper and ribbon!
Did you know that Wild West used to sell for well over $100 on eBay? I never sold mine.

One evening, the lilac bushes were covered in butterflies, and Troy snapped a few pics. Ross and I were out on our evening stroll at the time, and we actually stopped and examined a butterfly bush that was covered in butterflies. Isn't it interesting that even though we weren't together, we were doing the same thing? Seriously, isn't the connection with loved ones the most amazing thing?

Homeowners!

2010-05-30T16:10:00.003-05:00

So there you have it!! We had to move in the middle of the school year this year because the house we were renting sold. When we moved into this one, after we knew it was a good house without any huge flaws, we decided to buy. It's a good little house and will work well for us for a year or two. Most of all, no strangers parading in and out on a moment's notice, and no having to move in the middle of the school year while trying to direct a musical. That almost killed me, I tell ya.

We have started bending the yard to our will, and have fixed holes and filled paneling stripes. Next we paint and then tear up the nasty carpet. There's 100 year old hardwood under this carpet!!! Then curtains, some new miniature furniture, and the living room will be done! We are going to turn this house into the cutest little thing!
This is a Unity owl. Love it!
Gina K. Designs -all of it. Even the sketch!

Creative Cuts and More Celebration Blog Hop

2010-05-16T21:16:00.005-05:00

I love this Card Portfolio. It holds four A2 cards perfectly. What a nice gift this would be for someone you care about!
The theme of this blog hop is CELEBRATE. Why not celebrate the fact that you have people to love by giving them a bit of love in the form of PAPER!

This sweet box is cut from Stardream card stock. Choose Stardream Metallic card stock if you are looking for an elegant shimmer.
This box is a total breeze to put together and it's an interesting shape. It's the size of a cd case, and almost three times as deep.
It comes with an acetate square so your goodies, whatever they may be, won't fall out. Nice, huh?
It's the Heart Window Square Box #01

CELEBRATION BLOG HOP!

Hello! Welcome to the Celebration Blog Hop for Creative Cuts and More's NEW Website! You are in for a GREAT treat! We have TONS of VERY Talented Designers that came to join us for this special HOP!

On the NEW website have over 100 NEW Die Cuts AND a NEW section called GREAT DEALS! Today, each of our Designers will be showcasing some of the NEW DIE CUTS Creative Cuts and More offers!

There will be 5 prizes in the form of Gift Certificates. 1 - $25.00 Gift Certificate, 1 - $20.00 Gift Certificate, 1 - $15.00 Gift Certificate, 1- $10.00 Gift Certificate, 1- $5.00 Gift Certificate

Ways to win ONE of the gift certificates (one certificate per winner!)

(A) Leave a comment on this post. (This is limited to one per person unless you meet the criteria of B, C, and/or D below.)

(B) Leave one extra comment if you've posted a link to this blog candy on your own blog. Make sure to include a link to your specific post in your comment.

(D) Leave one extra comment if you click over to our new page on Facebook and become a fan.

(E) Leave one extra comment by commenting on ALL of our talented Designers in our Blog Hop!

(F) Leave one extra comment by another chance to win subscribe to mailing list at www.creativecutsandmore.com

Now it's time for you to hop on over to Rachel's blog, Hope Stamps Eternal to see what gorgeous creations she has in store!

Just Call me Rita. Margarita!

2010-05-06T19:36:00.002-05:00

This sassy gal was an image RAK from my friend, Sue, aka Perk, over on SCS. It's not the type of stamp I would ever buy, but I had fun making this card. I've never actually had a Margarita. I've tasted them, and I think they are yucky. I do think I might take a liking to them if they were offered in the junior high teacher's lounge, which is probably one of the many reasons why they don't have a bar in teacher's lounges. Can you imagine? ***Snort***

Hello! Is anybody out there?

2010-04-01T19:36:00.003-05:00

I'd be surprised if anyone was, seeing as how I've been gone for two months! I thought I might try to get back to my blog now and again. I decided to start with these tiny tags I made using a Basic Grey set my sister gave me. Aren't they cute? I think there are three of the little Matryoshkas, and this is the smallest one. The tags are just some office supply tags I picked up somewhere. I added some beautiful hot fix crystals, which I get at Creative Cuts and More. They come in a wheel dispenser that is chock full of fabulous crystals. Makes me happy just thinking about it!

These tags are in my Etsy shop. Tags seem to do pretty well for me. I am enjoying Etsy, but it is a tremendous amount of work, and expensive. I don't think I'm making a profit, but I'm having fun. I can just ignore it when I don't have time to fiddle with it. That doesn't make for a terribly successful shop, but it's what I can do!

Bookmark, Tags and Junior High Kids

2010-01-27T18:46:00.003-06:00

One of my worst photographic efforts ever, but I still love this little Crafty Secrets cherub! I stamped and sponged him and layered him with punched ovals.

I'm doing a series of dead white guy bookmarks. This is John Winthrop. He's dead. And white. Seriously, though, these are cut from a 1947 American Literature textbook. I have a lot of fun putting them together. I reread the history and keep decorations to a minimum, so they are easy and educational. I have actually sold some of these in my Etsy shop, so apparently they appeal to others as well.

I am loving my junior high kids. I like teaching JH better than high school. I never thought I'd say that! I have two HS classes, and my speech class is full of seniors. How jaded, angry and rude they seem compared to my sixth graders. Have they always been like this and I never noticed? They whine constantly about being tired, their school work, the school itself, everything to do with school and each other. Or are my JH kids just so sweet and open and excited that 18 year olds seem especially obnoxious?

Anyway, today I'm grateful for my junior high students-every wild, innocent, wiggly and irritating bit of them!

More cards for Baby Francesca's First Events

2010-01-26T18:00:00.004-06:00

No, I'm not pregnant! No, I didn't just have a baby, Lord help me! These cards are for a custom order on Etsy. I was asked to create six cards for Baby Francesca's first events. I thought it was a clever idea, and I had lots of fun with it! One of my blog buddies does this, I want to say it's Amy Tsuruta, but I'm not sure.
So this is her Father's Day card. Pretty standard fare on the outside-those are Flourishes stamps-but I did the inside a little differently.
Easter, obviously. I thought she'd like the feel of the micro beads. She could probably drool this card to death, don't you think?

Well, musical rehearsals have begun. Three nights a week, plus extra when called for. I have help for this one, though! The band teacher, Pat, is in charge of the music. It's nice to have someone else on board. Plays are a tremendous amount of work! When I'm not at rehearsals, there's always costuming and set design. Who needs a life, anyway?

I'm trying Motivated Moms to get my house under control. I heard about it from my little sis, who really doesn't need it. However, she's such a perfectionist about her house, that now that it's normal, she thinks the world has come to an end. Join the club, sistah! Children aren't for sissies or perfectionists! Anyone else trying MM out?

More cards for Baby Francesca's First Events

2010-01-25T17:41:00.005-06:00

I downloaded this sweet image from Crafting with a Vintage Look for free! As always, I get my Stickles and Nesties at Creative Play Stamps.
The St. Patrick's Day stamp is from A Chemistry With Paper, and lots of the elements are My Mind's Eye.
The Valentine tag is from K & Co. I layered it on top of two punched ovals, added Doodlebug letters and then embossed the whole shootin' match in Holographic ep.
The gorgeous white felt heart is from Creative Cuts and More. I CANNOT get enough of these hearts. I simply must put them on everything!
The stamp is from Artistic Outpost. It's probably my all time favorite Valentine's stamp set. It's just so sweet! Speaking of AO, I just got their two latest sets in the mail today! I could not resist them!!

Baby's First Mother's Day

2010-01-17T15:04:00.004-06:00

This is one of six cards in a custom order over on Etsy. The mom's favorite color is purple. I had a hard time finding purple patterned paper in my stash. The base is Bling, then the other solids are scraps. The patterned paper is very old Stampin' Up! The gorgeous image is of course Heartwarming Vintage by Crafty Secrets. I get my image and journal notes at Creative Play Stamps. They have competitive prices, lightening fast shipping and are just nice people. Lots of Lavender Stickles and Primas were my final touch.

Creative Cuts and More Love & Valentine's Blog Hop

2010-01-10T19:00:00.005-06:00

Hi blog hoppers! I'm so glad you are joining us for this month's Creative Cuts and More Blog Hop! The CC&M Mega Blog Hop starts at Diecut Diva
If for some reason one of the links is broken along the Hop do not worry, HOP back over to Die Cut Diva Diecut Diva where the complete list will be.

A CHANCE TO WIN!
This month we will be doing something a bit different! Post a comment to each of the DESIGN TEAM'S BLOG projects AND do the following challenge...

We want YOU to play along! Please make a project using any VALENTINE THEMED DIE CUT post it on any forum with the code CCANDM1 with a link to Diecut Diva and post a comment on the Die Cut Diva Blog with a direct link to your project by Monday, January 18th, for your chance to win a Variety Package of Products ($15 value) from CC&M.

I used some of my very favorite CC&M die cuts for this little box:

The Square Box & Heart #2 Small & Large

For the card:

Wedding Bells

I hope you enjoyed this box! I had fun making it! Now head on over to my little sister's place! Yes, my actual sister!! She's the best, but I may be a hair biased!

Noelle Reese - Noelle Scraps A Lot

Scrap those pictures!!!

2009-12-31T12:46:00.004-06:00

Most of my blog buddies are primarily cardmakers, like me. Some of them are stampy, and some scrappy, but we make cards. I've been making premade pages for my Etsy shop and I wanted to post a few to remind everyone how easy they really are. A few points:

1. They do not have to be masterpieces that have one of everything in your stamp room on them.
2. Your pictures should be the focus. (See #1)
3. Next, historical details and journaling. Historical details first, and journaling if you like.
4. Your family, for the most part, does not know and surely does not care if you used last year's product. This is not a competition to use the latest and greatest. It's a lovingly compiled record of the peeps you love.
5. In all likelihood, your albums will be closed most of the time. When they do get opened, what people love are the people and the memories in them. It's shocking to hear, I know, but your loved ones are less concerned with your brilliance as a papercrafter than they are about the pictures. Acknowledge that, and get on with it!

Robin's Egg Blues Giveaway!

2009-12-25T14:05:00.004-06:00

Seriously, will you love me forever if you win this because you found out about it here? I love Julie forever just because I found this gorgeous blog through her!

Angel Tags/Ornaments

2009-12-24T16:30:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas, my friends!

These sweet chipboard angels are from Creative Cuts and More. They would make beautiful ornaments or tags. I was even thinking of adding a heart to them and using them for Valentine's Day. All I did here was add Platinum Stickles, and an eyelet and silver cord from SU!

If you felt unprepared for Christmas this year, get these now and make them, then set them aside for next year. I don't know about you, but I'd sure like to be more prepared next year than I was this year!

Sweet Baby Boy

2009-12-23T11:08:00.004-06:00

This is from one of those My Mind's Eye card kits. I found it on sale a year or two ago, and finally got it out. I added some Basic Grey and the dotted paper, plus a bit of Waterfall Stickles. The Sweet Baby Boy sticker is from Crafty Secrets. I love their beautiful stickers, and they are often the perfect finishing touch for a project. This card has no stamping, and was super fast and easy.

I have been working with some Creative Cuts and More stuff for the Valentine's Blog Hop coming up in January. I am in love with the felt hearts I get there. I can never have too many. They are sweet and soft and pretty!

I hope all of you have the very Merriest of Christmases! I have missed visiting all of your beautiful and inspiring blogs and plan to stop by and see you all in the next day or two. I hope you haven't forgotten me!

Cricut Bookmarks

2009-12-12T20:38:00.003-06:00

I made these bookmarks using my cricut. I have been using that little thing a lot lately. These were really quick to make. After I cut them, I added some Stardust pen work, and a few hot fix crystals. I get my hot fix crystals at Creative Cuts & More. I have the Rhinestone and Pearl wheel, and it is A LOT of bling, let me tell you!!

Sleigh Ornaments

2009-12-11T08:26:00.002-06:00

I ordered these sleighs from Creative Cuts and More. They are cut from lightweight chipboard, and could not have been easier to do. They can be used as tags or ornaments, and I feel that the combination of chipboard and glitter makes them perfect for any style of holiday decor.

I used Brushed Pewter Distress and Candy Cane Stickles, plus SU! gold eyelets and ribbon. That's it!

Creative Play Stamps Snowflakes

2009-12-06T15:24:00.003-06:00

Creative Play Stamps has this terrific set of assorted snowflakes, which I think I have mentioned before. It's a wonderful set to have on hand for Christmas and winter cards. You get 12 snowflakes for $10.95, AND they come with cling foam! I used my cricut, some cheap paper stack paper, Chestnut Roan ink, and Waterfall Stickles on these little guys.

Just For Mew Christmas Tags

2009-12-04T19:27:00.003-06:00

I got a whole set of tag stamps like this in a big eBay haul a few years ago. I never used them because they are a little too country for me, but I kind of think they are cute again, don't you? One thing about SU!, is that their stamps do have staying power. They stay current without, for the most part, getting so trendy they are completely out of style in five years.

I used my cricut and a MS punch for these. I think the paper is one of those impossibly cheap DCWV Christmas stacks. I got rid of ALL my thin paper stacks except this one. I mean seriously, do you really want to make gift tags with paper that costs a dollar a sheet? Everything else, yes, go with the good stuff, but lots of Christmas stuff is so here today gone tomorrow, especially tags. I am one quarter Scotch, and it does show up now and then!

Joy Tags

2009-12-01T21:39:00.003-06:00

Yes, I have made a lot of tags lately. I just finished and mailed an Etsy order for 150 of the little guys today, as a matter of fact. I mailed her an assortment of all the simpler tags in my shop, so at least I didn't have to make 150 of the same thing.

So, yes, I'm trying Etsy. It's pretty fun. There's A LOT of work involved, and the competition is fierce, but I have to do something with all the stuff I make. I can't quit playing with paper, and I can't store it all forever, and I can't inundate my peeps with paper, even though they love my stuff, I don't think they would love it as much if I sent ALL of it to them. So, I'm on Etsy.

Right now there are 26,580 listing for tags. I realize the odds here, I understand the chances of people buying from me are slim. Still, it will amuse me for a while. I have the attention span of a gnat, so I'm sure I'll be off to the next thing eventually, but for now, wish me luck!

Make Merry Tags

2009-11-30T18:39:00.002-06:00

I have these SU! punches, and all the coordinating stamp sets, and I think this may be the first time I've ever used them!! They sure do make festive little tags, don't they?

This ep is a mix of my own. I just added glitter to some hunter green ep. I must add glitter to everything. It's a problem, I know. But I live with it.

Sparkly Little Box

2009-11-29T21:51:00.003-06:00

Well, since I haven't posted for over a week, I thought I'd bore you with redundant pictures of my sparkly little box. This is one of those little match boxes you can get, I think they come in packages of three. Really, this is just a pretty, useless little thing, but I had fun making it!

I got these Primas at Creative Play Stamps. It looks like they are sold out of this bottle right now, but they have lots and lots of other Primas if you are running low!

I hope you are all looking forward to the holidays! I am looking forward to Dec. 11, because that's when our oldest son will be home. This is the longest we have ever been apart, and I've pretty much hated every second of it.

Snowman Tags

2009-11-21T08:46:00.003-06:00

I've been making a lot of little Christmas tags lately. Well, last weekend, anyway. This week I had three hour play rehearsals every night, so I didn't do much of anything but work. Tonight is the last night-closing performance! The kids did really well last night, and I look forward to it all being over!! I don't know how people work eleven hour days with any regularity. One week of it, and I'm half dead!

Anyhoo, these little tags are fun and easy to make. I let my cricut do all the cutting, then I stamp, sponge, layer and embellish. I used Creative Play Stamps' snowflake here. You can get them individually, or in a set. I have the set, and I love it. I'll use it for years and years to come, snowflakes never go out of style!

Arch Window Card-Upcycled!!

2009-11-16T06:06:00.002-06:00

Did you notice my clever use of the hip and trendy term "upcycle"? I see this word sprinkled about by people who are ever so much cooler than I, and have been waiting for the opportunity to prove that I am quite current. The beautiful vintage scene I used for this Creative Cuts and More Arch Window card is actually cut from the cover of my Graphic 45 Christmas Past paper pad. I love how it turned out, and I'm feeling very smug about my wise use of resources.

I made this for this week's 2 Sketches 4 You challenge, but I couldn't quite get the sketch right, so I'm not sure I should even link it. Sometimes I just can't convince my card to acquiesce to the sketch. What's a girl to do? Some cards are just disobedient. Creative Cuts and More is sponsoring 2S4Y this week, if you have time, please play with us! I love Laura & Kazan's sketches, they are very talented! Sometimes I even make a card that resembles the sketch!!

More Creative Cuts and More!!!

2009-11-12T08:00:00.002-06:00

"Hi blog hoppers! Weren't Amber's projects great? If you didn't arrive here from Amber's blog, you don't want to miss what our designers have in store for you! The CC&M Holiday Blog Hop starts at http://die-cut-diva.blogspot.com

I decided to post the third page of my Apron Recipe Album for this hop. I have enjoyed working with this cute little album SO much! Did you know that these were so popular that CC&M has already sold out of them? Terry is reordering all the supplies, though-so don't panic! There's still time to get yours! I will most likely post at least one page a week until Christmas, so I hope you don't get tired of them!!

If for some reason one of the links is broken along the Hop do not worry, HOP back over to Die Cut Diva http://die-cut-diva.blogspot.com where the complete list will be.

As part of our celebration, CC&M will be having a great sale. For the next six days, we will offer 15% off the entire store. But act quickly this sale will end on 11/15. Make sure you enter this code:

ccholidaybloghop1109

during checkout.

As a continuing part of the celebration CC&M will be giving away a FUN
Christmas Card Kit! After you have finished the blog hop, return to
_http://die-cut-diva.blogspot.com follow these directions….

Here are the five different ways to win our newest kit:

(A) Leave a comment on this post. (This is limited to one per person
unless you meet the criteria of B, C, D and/or E below.)

(B) Leave one extra comment if you've posted a link to this blog candy
on your own blog. Make sure to include a link to your specific post in
your comment.

(C) Leave one extra comment if you become one of our blog followers. See
the right-hand navigation column to follow us.

(D) Leave one extra comment if you click over to our page on Facebook
<http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Parker-CO/Creative-Cuts-and-More/129268965389?ref=s>
and become a fan.

(E) Leave one extra comment if you invite your crafty Facebook friends
to become a fan of our page on Facebook
<http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Parker-CO/Creative-Cuts-and-More/129268965389?ref=s>.

The winner will be announced 11/15, so you have until then to play by the rules!

Now head on over to Karen Maldonado's Blog! She has some wonderful stuff lined up for you!!

Belli Challenge!!

2009-11-11T07:55:00.003-06:00

I made this page for this week's Belli Challenge! Chris Dickinson, another Die Cut Diva, has a fun challenge blog where the challenges are embellishment related. CC&M is the sponsor this week, and the theme is Christmas. I wanted to create another page of my Creative Cuts and More Apron Album. Everything on this page except for the Making Memories stickers, the floss, and the Stickles came with the kit! You can even get Liquid Applique at Creative Cuts and More!! (It does not come with the kit, though.) This kit is only $19.99, and I honestly think it's a terrific deal! I was so thrilled when I got mine and saw all the goodies!

I hope you can play with us, I think the challenge is open for two weeks, so there's plenty of time!

PS: Sorry my pictures are out of order! I realized after I posted that I forgot the back of the recipe!

Holiday Treats Recipe Apron Kit

2009-11-10T09:00:00.002-06:00

Welcome to Day Two of the Creative Cuts and More Recipe Album Blog Hop!! So, did you enjoy visiting the immensely talented Amber Hillman? I know you did! If you didn't come from Amber's blog, you need to start back at Die Cut Diva to be eligible to win the prize, which is one of these GREAT kits!! I hope you can stop by all 25 blogs so you can see how many incredible ways you can use this fun holiday kit!!

To day we are featuring the Apron Kit!!Isn't this the cutest thing? I was very impressed with how jam-packed this kit is! You can make a wonderful album, with LOTS of great family recipes! And did you see the Doodlebug glitter paper?! You know I was happy to see that!! There are so many fun little die cuts, buttons, and lots of paper to get crafty with in this kit!!

I added a few buttons, some Stickles, one eyelet, some floss, and five Diva Drops. You can get the Diva Drops at Creative Cuts and More.

Your next stop is CINDY LAWRENCE!! I have long been an admirer of Cindy's lovely work, and can't wait to see what magic she created with the apron kit!

PS: Don't forget to come back tomorrow for another page of my Apron Album! CC&M is sponsoring this week's Belli Challenge!!

TUESDAY

Die Cut Diva http://www.diecutdiva.com
Pam Smerker http://paperaskew.blogspot.com/
Nathalia Castelllon http://funkyphreshpapierkreations.blogspot.com/

Dawn Lusk http://dawnanewday.blogspot.com/

Stephany Zerbe http://stephzerbedesign.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Hansen http://www.jenniferhansenscrapgallery.blogspot.com/

Lisa Somerville http://www.lisasomerville.com/

Lila Holgate http://lilascreativecorner.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com

Kazan Clark http://nunutoolies.blogspot.com/

Rachel Hope Baird http://www.hopestampseternal.blogspot.com/
Ellen Sosnoski http://closeyourears.blogspot.com/

Cecilia Stricklin http://www.thethreadgatherer.blogspot.com

Cambria Turnbow http://www.cambriaturnbow.blogspot.com/
Angie Pearl http://gemstonecreations.blogspot.com

Laura Davis http://www.adayinthelifeofthepaperpoppy.blogspot.com/

Noelle Reese http://www.noellescrapsalot.blogspot.com

Holly Brown http://www.glitterstampsandink.blogspot.com

Rachel Sztonyk http://www.gingerbreadgallery.blogspot.com

Deb Felts http://withastampandasong.blogspot.com/

Jen Johnson http://justmejenifer.blogspot.com

Amber Hillman http://www.ambersantics.blogspot.com/

Carla Mayfield http://paperpastorale.blogspot.com<<<<<<<<

Cindy Lawrence http://onehappystamper.typepad.com/ >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Go Here

Chris Dickinson http://www.chrissyd723.blogspot.com/

Die Cut Diva http://www.diecutdiva.com

Dog Gone Stamps Snow Man!!

2009-11-09T09:00:00.002-06:00

Now doesn't this sweet, smiling face just make you happy? This Snowman from Dog Gone Stamps just stole my heart, I thought he was precious and knew I wanted to add him to my collection!! I paired him up with some Basic Gray Blitzen and chipboard, and a couple of Joanne snowflake brads. Of course it just wouldn't be a Christmas card without GLITTER! I embossed the corners with Ranger Holographic and sprayed them thoroughly with Candy Apple Red Glimmer Mist. Plus, I added a little Star Dust Stickles on the snow.

Today is the first day of the Creative Cuts and More Treasured Family Recipes Blog Hop. The prize is a big one, so go check it out at Die Cut Diva!

We are all sharing recipes today, and one of my favorites is The Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Rolls. They are divine! My niece and I made them last Christmas, and we all ate them like we were going to wear nothing but sweat pants for the next month!!! (Jeans+cinnamon rolls=OUCH!) Ree's Cinnamon Rolls ENJOY!

Wild Irises

2009-11-08T09:51:00.005-06:00

Don't forget to come back tomorrow for CC&M's recipe blog hop! You could win this GORGEOUS Cosmo Cricket Album Kit!! I'm not participating until Tuesday, but I can point you in the direction of all the fun!

I used the very first Gina K Designs Stamp TV kit, Floral Frenzy for this. All I added was the Grungeboard flourish, the gems, the vintage button, and a tiny piece of embroidery floss.

Creative Cuts and More has ANOTHER exciting week planned for you this week! Starting tomorrow, there will be a Mega Blog Hop using CC&M's new Cosmo Cricket Treasured Family Recipes Album Kit, so please don't forget to come back! This beautiful Album Kit would make a thoughtful gift, or turn it into a family treasure of your own!

Enjoy!

2009-11-07T11:00:00.004-06:00

This is the kit I will be using for the huge Creative Cuts and More Holiday Treasures Recipe Blog Hop on Tuesday! Don't forget to stop back by-you could win one of these wonderful, jam-packed kits for yourself!!

I won this beautiful stamp set from Verve Stamps. It's so cool because the orchid can be a butterfly as well, it's very chameleon-like! I tried my hand at Clean and Simple (CAS)here. I was toying with the idea of making gift boxes of cards for Christmas gifts, and I thought I might make better progress if I didn't spend at least an hour on every card like I usually do. Of course, I don't really like my CAS cards, so my efforts didn't last very long. Why bother making cards if it isn't fun?

Don't forget to come back here on Tuesday for the Creative Cuts and More Recipe Blog Hop! It's going to be a BIG ONE!

Holiday Table Decor

2009-11-03T11:00:00.002-06:00

Isn't this sleigh fun? All I did here was add some Candy Cane Stickles, a two ribbon bow and some jingle bells!! You could make a dozen of these in an hour or less. How nice would a few home baked cookies or some fudge look in here? What's more, how clever will everyone think you are? You could be one of those irritating women who has everything together!!!

From here, please hop on over to check out what the talented Chrissy has been up to! I have a sneaking suspicion she's one of those irritating women who have it all together!;)

Now for more eye candy for you - you will want to HOP along to each of these blogs and end at the Caardvarks blog to tell us what you loved best about the hop for a chance to win!

Tanis: http://papercanvas.wordpress.com/

Mel: http://melstampz.blogspot.com/

Lucy: http://hedgehogsandladybirds.blogspot.com/

Heidi: http://vanlaardesigns.blogspot.com/

Kelly: http://krcreations.blogspot.com/

Steph: http://stephzerbedesign.blogspot.com/

Sue-ann: http://colourmehappy.wordpress.com/

Amy: http://www.scrappingmommy.com/

Ashley: http://ashleynewell.blogspot.com/

Catherine: http://thedancingpear.blogspot.com/

Peet: http://scrapalbum.blogspot.com/

Eva: http://evafromca.blogspot.com/

Michelle: http://twisted-chick.blogspot.com/

Nathalia: http://funkyphreshpapierkreations.blogspot.com/

Holly Brown: http://www.glitterstampsandink.blogspot.com/

Carla Mayfield: http://paperpastorale.blogspot.com/

Chris Dickinson: http://www.chrissyd723.blogspot.com/

Ellen Sosnoski: http://closeyourears.blogspot.com/

Jennifer Johnson: http://justmejenifer.blogspot.com/

Kayla Dupont: http://dream-bielieve-imagine-mustangkayla.blogspot.com/

Lila Holgate: http://lilascreativecorner.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/

Lindsay Weirich: http://thefrugalcrafter.wordpress.com/

Pamela Smerker: http://paperaskew.blogspot.com/

Diecut Divas Blog: http://die-cut-diva.blogspot.com/

Creative Cuts & More (sign up for Newsletter): http://www.creativecutsandmore.com/

Caardvarks (leave a comment to let us know you've finished today's hop): http://caardvarks.blogspot.com/

Have fun on the hop! Thanks for stopping by!

Caardvarks & Creative Cuts and More!

2009-11-02T11:00:00.004-06:00

This Card Portfolio is a breeze to make and can be used over and over! It will hold three or four cards and envelopes, depending on how lumpy your cards are! Maybe even six for you CAS girls!

How do you like this sweet Scalloped Bag? A few shots of Candy Apple Glimmer Mist, some Candy Cane Stickles, a bit of leftover ribbon, a Little Yellow Bicycle snowflake, some Primas and a couple of Making memories glitter brads, that's all! Super fast!

Go see the lovely Chris for more Holiday Inspiration!

Holiday Hop Day Two

Welcome to Day Two of "A Very Merry Caardvarks Holiday Hop"!
We've partnered with:

Caardvarks

for THREE fun-filled days of holiday inspiration! We'll be sharing cards, pretty packaging, home decor, centerpieces and holiday ornaments created by the Caardvarks Crew and the Diecut Divas! So get ready for some major holiday inspiration. There's so much to see...and of course Creative Cuts & More has provided a terrific prize for each day of the hop.

{PRIZES}

Fall All Ocassion Card Kit

HaunTed House Castle Mini Album Kit

$25 Gift Certificate

{SHOPPING DISCOUNT}

Caardvarks readers also get a special 15% Shopping Discount! Enter holidayhop2009 at checkout. Discount valid on all online purchases November 1st - 4th, 2009. Have fun shopping and check out all of their holiday diecuts to create your own gifts this season!

**********************

Are you ready to hop? Then off you go -- be sure to visit and comment on each blog and sign up for Creative Cuts & More Newsletter, then return to Caardvarks to let us know you've completed the hop. Just leave a comment on this post. And...be sure to stop by tomorrow AND the next day for more hoppin'!

Master Blog Hop List:
This is the current list of blogs for you to refer to. Just right click on each name and open link in new tab!

Tanis Geisbrecht
Lucy Abrams
Heidi Van Laar
Kelly Rasmussen
Stephany Zerbe
Sue-ann Tilby
Amy Crockett
Ashley Cannon Newell
Catherine Doucette
Peet Roeven
Eva Dobilas
Michelle Giraud
Nathalia Castellon
Holly Brown
Carla Mayfield>>>>You are Here
Chris Dickinson ``````Go here now!!!<<<<<<<<
Ellen Sosnoski
Jennifer Johnson
Lila Holgate
Lindsay Weirich
Pamela Smerker
Diecut Divas Blog
Creative Cuts & More

(Sign up for Newsletter)
Caardvarks
(Leave a comment to let us know you've finished today's hop!)